Mind Wandering

As part of November Novel writing on ”Pro Writing Aid”, I am writing some new chapters for my story ”In The Dark”. I used ”creative clouds” as a prompt.

Written for https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2025/10/16/reenas-xploration-challenge-403/

Creative clouds are sweeping across a confused sky. As my mind wanders, there is a quiet release from my overthinking. At the back of the field, my break time is my silent place. Don’t want small talk! Did you hear that new song on Top of the Pops? Cool, weren’t they! I scrape my nails into rough earth. It’s not like I had many friends before James killed himself, but now they avoid me.

Don’t care, it is just the way I like it.

All I’m concerned about is getting through my GCSEs and finding a escape route out of the house. Most of my classmates want to go on study leave. I will stick to the library, thanks! The less I am there, the better.

‘Sarah, thought I’d find you here.’ Steve sneaks beside me, digging me playfully in the ribs.

I don’t move, and the clouds merge, growing darker with each shape shift.

‘Cloud watchin? Can I join? I observe a whale with a waterspout chasing a lion.’

What does he think? A week after the funeral, things go back to normal. If I don’t answer him, even he’ll get the message.

I blink my focus on the grey.

‘Come on, Dotty, been ages. The last time we spoke, it was when James . . .’

Dotty, a nickname from our first meeting in reception. I was four, and making a dot to dot jack-in-the-box. I turned to him, and giggled. His cheeks were a mass of brown freckles, and I pointed the crayon at his nose.

Only now, I want to swipe that grin into space.

‘Leave me alone,’ I whisper.

He doesn’t look at me, he stares at the same fractured heavens. ‘I’ve let you be, but it ain’t good. We’ve been mates for years, but you’re not letting me in. You didn’t invite me to his funeral.’

I twist my body around, and glare at him, so he can’t evade my anger. ‘God, it wasn’t a bloody party with cake and sprinkles. Tell you what, the next time, I’ll have you on speed dial! Special offer, two for one!’ I punch him with my free arm, and grab my blazer from the damp grass.

‘You know I didn’t mean it like that!’

‘You say you’re my mate, but in reality, no different. I’m sorry, I brought you some crappy flowers. They live about as much as your hollow sympathy. In a few weeks I am out of this school, and I tell you what, I’m glad. I don’t have to view your ugly mug any more!’

I leave him standing there, and even now, he doesn’t care enough to try.